Tag: Policy

Why COVID Is a Race Issue

Why COVID Is a Race Issue

Why COVID Is a Race Issue

06/10/20

“Why is COVID a Race Issue?”

 

Communities around the world are being affected by the (as of writing) ongoing COVID epidemic. However, communities from oppressed communities are being exposed to and dying from COVID at much higher rates. This results from being forced into lower-paying jobs where being in-person is mandatory and from living in segregated neighborhoods that expose the individuals to more health risks. Since this is drawn across mostly racial lines,  this is Why COVID Is a Race Issue.

 

And don’t forget, #BlackLivesMatter

Defunding Police and Refunding Into Climate Adaptation

Defunding Police and Refunding Into Climate Adaptation

Defunding Police and Refunding Into Climate Adaptation

06/09/20

“How can we fund climate adaptation programs by defunding the police?”

 

The advent of the COVID epidemic has brought about a major budget shortfall in municipal governments. Given that these are one of the primary methods of funding adaptation work, preparing for the new climate paradigm has just become a lot more difficult. Unless of course, we can tap into another source of funding. Namely, the police. Police (particularly in the US) take up a disproportionate amount of the city budget. By redistributing some of the funds to climate adaptation, we can invest in a just, resilient, and sustainable future instead of locking people up. This is why Defunding Police and Refunding Into Climate Adaptation may be a good idea.

And don’t forget, #BlackLivesMatter

Social Media Surveillance

Social Media Surveillance

Social Media Surveillance

06/03/20

“How can social media be used for surveillance?”

 

Social media is usually thought of as an innocuous way to connect with friends. However, it can also be used as a surveillance mechanism by malevolent institutions due to the fact that you are posting your data for free. For example, social media sites might be able to use facial data to hunt down activists. This is why one must take Social Media Surveillance seriously.

Social Media Networks and Facial Recognition

Social Media Networks and Facial Recognition

Social Media Networks and Facial Recognition

06/02/20

“How can social media networks use your pictures to aid authoritarian institutions?”

 

Uploading your profile picture to social media is a common medium of expression nowadays, whether it’s showing off your new look, most recent achievement, or unbelievable vacation. However, this all comes with a price. These social media sites will own data about your face, and can share it with authoritarian institutions to keep track of you and take action if you become a “threat”. For this reason, you must always be aware of the link between Social Media Networks and Facial Recognition. If you don’t act properly online then hiding your face from observation cameras may not always cut it.

SB 902

SB 902

SB 902

05/31/20

“What would Senator Scott Wiener’s SB 902 bill accomplish?”

 

With the defeat of SB 50 in the California state senate and the advent of the COVID pandemic earlier this year, solutions to the state’s record housing crisis seem ever more out of reach. However, Senator Scott Wiener is back at it again with SB 902. In essence, SB 902 would authorize for local governments to enact “missing middle” zoning or rezoning for upwards of 10-plexes in designated neighborhoods, at a height specified by the local government in the ordinance, if the parcel is located in a transit-rich area, a jobs-rich area, or an urban infill site. Site. This bill would also provide CEQA exemption for such projects. In addition, the bill would allow for upwards of a fourplex to be approved in a low-density zone with by right ministerial approval of the city.

How Data Analytics Can Help Track Police Brutality

How Data Analytics Can Help Track Police Brutality

How Data Analytics Can Help Track Police Brutality

05/29/20

“How could data analytics be used to help track police brutality?”

 

Data analytics allows for users and institutions to track a whole range of variables. One of these could be police misconduct. By keeping tabs on which police officers have been committing human rights violations, public officials can determine whether or not to fire and reprimand them. This is  How Data Analytics Can Help Track Police Brutality.

Why Police Body Cameras Can Increase Law Enforcement Accountability

Why Police Body Cameras Can Increase Law Enforcement Accountability

Why Police Body Cameras Can Increase Law Enforcement Accountability

05/28/20

“Why is implementing body cameras on police a good idea?”

 

Like any state agency, police forces hold the potential to misuse their authority, culminating in horrific outbreaks such as what was recently seen in Minneapolis. In the past, these forces were able to get away with such events. However, with the advent of body cameras, footage can be automatically recorded to show any human rights violations taking place, allowing for proper evidence for prosecution. This is Why Police Body Cameras Can Increase Accountability.

Image credit urban.org

Green Recovery

Green Recovery

Green Recovery

05/25/20

“How can economies recover from a recession using sustainable infrastructure?”

 

Investment in construction is a time-tested method in helping an economy recover after a recession. It allows for large sums of capital to be focused on projects that generate a large number of jobs and leave lasting benefits. Given the ever-pressing challenge of climate change, a focus on the construction of sustainable infrastructure would have the added benefit of preventing further damage from climate change. This is why a resilience and sustainability-focused Green Recovery would be a logical course of action.

Why the Increase in Extreme Weather May Offset Energy Efficiency Improvements

Why the Increase in Extreme Weather May Offset Energy Efficiency Improvements

Why the Increase in Extreme Weather May Offset Energy Efficiency Improvements

05/24/20

“How may the increase in more extreme weather offset energy efficiency improvements?”

 

With the advent of climate change, extreme weather is going to become more and more common. Areas that used to barely see a scorching day in Summer may now have to deal with weeks of extreme heat. This will make people more reliant on internal temperature control, increasing energy usage, and offsetting some of the gains made by energy efficiency improvements. This is Why the Increase in Extreme Weather May Offset Energy Efficiency Improvements.

 

Image credit http://www.weaa.org